Shifting Norms of Linguistic and Cultural Respect: Hybrid Sociolinguistic Zulu Identities *

Abstract

Most traditional African societies, due to strict patriarchy and seniority principles inherent in their cultural systems, prescribe great significance to respectful behaviour towards males and elders. Hlonipha, the cultural and linguistic system of respect which exists in most Southern Bantu-speaking African societies must be understood as a complex web of sociological and linguistic actions which prescribe deferential behaviour (Raum, 1973). This paper explores whether and to what extent linguistic and social norms of hlonipha are uniform and consistent within the members of a particular ethno-linguistic or social group in contemporary South Africa, i.e. isiZulu-speakers in urban KwaZulu-Natal. In order to find answers to this multifaceted research question, I draw from interdisciplinary empirical findings based on a large research project which investigates the role, function and status of hlonipha. Among other things, it is argued that there is a clear correlation between the construction of hybrid cultural and ethno-linguistic identities and an urban upward mobile lifestyle among young isiZulu-speakers.